Lesideng Soup Kitchen© is a non-profit, tax exempt, U.S. corporation committed to bringing economic relief, hope, and change to those living in the Lesideng community outside of Vaalwater, in the Limpopo province of South Africa - an area that has been ravaged by the effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic that continues to threaten the entire African continent. Throughout sub-Saharan Africa, drought, civil unrest, and the lack of clean water and basic sanitation needs continues to take a toll on the young and old. The Lesideng community has experienced significant losses and in fact has suffered the loss of over two generations of people, for the most part leaving only those under the age of about 18 and those over the age of 60 to struggle to survive each day.

The Lesideng Soup Kitchen was started to meet some of the large and growing needs of this impoverished community of people. Conceived with the desire to commit 100% of all donations directly to relief supplies, the Lesideng Soup Kitchen relies solely on the tireless efforts of six volunteers living in the greater Lesideng community and the coordination and overhead support of its founders here in the United States. The kitchen currently operates out of a large canvas tent and feeds over 1000 children and adults each week. In addition to basic food provisions, the Lesideng Soup Kitchen also provides families with take home food parcels, clothes, toiletries, and other general household needs.

Access to medical care and prescription drugs is critical to help fight the HIV/AIDS issue and other serious diseases that continually threaten those in this community. The Lesideng Soup Kitchen also helps provide basic first aid, transportation to and from doctors facilities, and financial assistance to those without government issued medical aid cards whenever possible. The volunteers at the Soup Kitchen are committed to teaching preventative techniques as well as giving instructions on wound care and the importance of proper hygiene methods. The process of teaching and training people is every bit as important as the care itself, in order to progress towards self sufficiency and long term stability and growth.

Lesideng Soup Kitchen also supports 300 AIDS orphans with their basic needs for daily living, healthcare, and education. These children are placed with adoptive parents within the community, who are often in need of support as well.

As you can see, the challenge is great, but with your support we believe we will make a lasting difference! One person, one family, one community at a time can be impacted and changed forever with your help. Join us in partnership with the Lesideng community today.